PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard, CBP interdict 7 migrants, 67 packages of marijuana, 1 suspected smuggler

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast Contact: 7th District Public Affairs Office: 305-415-6683 After Hours: 786-367-7649 7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard, CBP interdict 7 migrants, 67 packages of marijuana, 1 suspected smuggler

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MIAMI — The Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection interdicted seven migrants, a suspected smuggler and 67 packages of marijuana Thursday approximately 7 miles east of Government Cut.

The CBP intercepted an improperly lit 27-foot cabin cruiser approximately 7 miles east of Government Cut and discovered five Jamaican adult male migrants, one Bahamian male migrant, one Italian male migrant and one suspected Bahamian smuggler, plus they seized 67 packages full of marijuana.

The Coast Guard Cutter Robert Yered (WPC-1104) crew arrived on scene, embarked the migrants and transferred them ashore to CBP.

“We commend our CBP partners who prevented this illegal voyage from making landfall, as well as, their close collaboration with the Robert Yered crew in safely removing all the migrants from a dangerous situation,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Emily Wilhite, watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Miami. "Together with other Department of Homeland Security components and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to diligently patrol throughout the Caribbean Basin and Florida Straits to stem the flow of maritime smuggling."

Whether migrants attempt to illegally enter the United States via dangerously overloaded, unseaworthy or otherwise unsafe vessels or through human smuggling ventures, taking to the sea illegally is a hazardous risk to ones life. The Coast Guard will continue to work with our service's partner law enforcement agencies to ensure U.S. immigration laws are upheld, while also maintaining its humanitarian responsibility to prevent the loss of life at sea.

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter, and basic medical attention.

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-USCG-